Sometimes a burger is ok

Do you have days when it just feels like everything is on top of you and that something has to give?

That’s what mine was like today, in fact for the past couple of days I haven’t been able to get out of my own way. I have worked, cleaned, run around to after school activities, dealt with emails, made sure that miss 6 has eaten properly and so on. You know how it goes. Making this feeling worse was the expectation that I should always eat what’s good for me, and provide my family with super nutritious food at every opportunity, given that I tell other people how to do this as my job. . This expectation could well be self-imposed but it was in the back of my mind all the same especially when all I really wanted was a big glass of wine and hot chips.

This week I met several women who are also beating themselves up because they sometimes feed their children takeaways, or white bread or spaghetti from a tin. Clearly I am not alone in my unrealistic expectation of food perfection. As I continued chatting with these women I learned that mostly the kids in question were eating great diets; breakfasts of eggs, pancakes, toast with avocado, French toast, smoothies, seriously what a way to start the day! Lunches included protein, vegetables, dairy and fruit, and yet these parents were embarrassed that they sometimes included a packet of tiny teddies for recess or a paddle pop after school. True confession, Miss six had takeaways for dinner, and not some healthy vegetable based dish, she had a burger and chips. She was so happy that I said yes to her burger request and I was happy that dinner was done with no effort and no washing up.

Don’t get me wrong, the little things add up and can become big issues, but just being aware that some of these food choices could be better is more than half the battle. I take my hat off to every single client, or person reading my blog that commits to making a change towards a healthier diet, it’s really hard to change a life time of habits so don’t beat yourself up over the little things.

Mealtimes are about more than just the food on the plate. They are a time to connect as a family, talk about the day and enjoy each other’s company. Give yourself permission to serve fish fingers and oven fries every so often without feeling like you are letting anyone down. Learn a few short cut quick meals and enjoy the extra time this gives you with your family.

My take away (pun intended) message is simple, feed your family the best way you can, cut yourself some slack and eat a burger every now and then.